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Educational Psychology

Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis

The post-master's degree Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (CABA) is offered through the Educational Psychology and School Psychology program and includes a twenty-one-credit program of study related to the research foundations, methods, ethics, and applications of applied behavior analysis. The certificate provides the coursework that leads to the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential. The certificate does not automatically lead to obtaining the BCBA. Becoming a BCBA requires 1,500 hours of supervised work experience in a behavior analytic environment under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). The supervised work may be completed concurrent with the coursework, and must be supervised and documented. Visit the Behavior Analyst Certification Board Web site for detailed information concerning the BCBA credentialing, supervised work, and examination requirements. Upon completion of coursework and supervised work, students must also pass a national exam. Those who complete the required coursework, the supervised work, and pass the national exam will earn the BCBA. The supervised work experience is arranged by the student, independent of the University or Educational Psychology program, and may occur concurrent with or after completion of the coursework.

Admission Information

Criteria for admission include successful completion of a master's degree in behavior analysis or other natural science; education; clinical, counseling or school psychology; clinical social work; occupational therapy; speech/language therapy; engineering; medicine or a field related to behavior analysis and approved by the BACB from any of the following:

An institution of higher education located outside the United States or Canada that, at the time the applicant was enrolled and at the time the applicant graduated, maintained a standard of training equivalent to the standards of training of those institutions accredited in the United States as demonstrated by World Education Services or by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services..

To earn the CABA, students must complete the required coursework at USM, and earn a grade of B (3.0) or better in each course.

Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, excluding the seven campuses of the University of Maine system. A transcript is official when it comes directly from the institution. If an applicant is submitting an official transcript, it must be in a sealed envelope from the institution indicating that it is an official document. If the envelope has been opened prior to arriving at the Office of Graduate Admissions, it is no longer considered an official transcript.

Current resume; and

Personal statement.

Special Essay Question

In addition to the general admission requirements of the University, applicants to the Educational Psychology master's program must provide a narrative essay that answers this question:

"Why do you seek training in applied behavior analysis?"

This narrative is evaluated in terms of clarity of expression, grammatical construction, and other facets of English composition, as well as the quality of information given about how the study of behavior analysis aligns with the applicant’s professional goals and understanding of the field of applied behavior analysis.

Acceptance to a certificate program does not constitute acceptance to a master's or post-master's certificate of advanced study program. Applications for degree programs must be made under separate cover.

Transfer Credit

Students admitted to the Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis can request permission to transfer up to six (6) graduate credits toward the Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (CABA). In order for credits to be eligible for transfer, they must meet the following criteria:

For students seeking certification for BCBA, any applicable course/s must be transferred from a program that is approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.

The credits must have been earned as part of a graduate course (e.g., 500 level or higher) offered at a U.S. institution of higher learning accredited at the time the credits were earned by a regional and/or national accrediting body and recognized as accredited by the U.S. Department of Education.

The credits must have been earned for a course that is equivalent in content covered and skills developed to one required in the student's USM program of study.

The earned grade for the course must be a B or higher (GPA equivalent of 3.0).

The credits must have been earned within 3 years from the date when transfer credit is requested.

The credits must not have been applied to any previously earned degree.

Transferred credits will be noted on the student's USM transcript and counted toward the student's degree or certificate program of study. To request transfer of credit(s), a student must submit the course syllabus and official transcript(s) showing the grade(s) for the course(s) to the Educational Psychology program coordinator. The coordinator will consult with program faculty to determine if the credit transfer is approved. Once approved, the program will notify the USM Registrar to enter the official transfer onto the student's record.